The Political Dynamics of Justice Reform in The U.S.
The Political Dynamics of Justice Reform in The U.S.
The Political Dynamics of Justice Reform in The U.S.
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oad noses, and full lips, receive longer sentences than their lighter sk<strong>in</strong>ned<br />
counterparts with Eurocentric features.<br />
Broken W<strong>in</strong>dows Polic<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Broken w<strong>in</strong>dows polic<strong>in</strong>g, or quality <strong>of</strong> life polic<strong>in</strong>g, is based on a crim<strong>in</strong>ological theory<br />
known as broken w<strong>in</strong>dows theory. This theory suggests that repair<strong>in</strong>g broken w<strong>in</strong>dows<br />
<strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs and other form <strong>of</strong> physical disorder with<strong>in</strong> a city <strong>in</strong>dicate whether or not<br />
there is crime. When translated to polic<strong>in</strong>g tactics, m<strong>in</strong>or <strong>of</strong>fenses are targeted as a way<br />
to deter greater, more serious crime. <strong>Reform</strong>ers po<strong>in</strong>t to the ways that broken w<strong>in</strong>dows<br />
polic<strong>in</strong>g negatively impacts communities <strong>of</strong> color through crim<strong>in</strong>alization and excessive<br />
force. Additionally, it is typically seen as responsible for over polic<strong>in</strong>g and the<br />
militarization <strong>of</strong> neighborhoods. Offenses such as drug possession, “suspicious”<br />
activities or mental health crises <strong>of</strong>ten lead to the characterization <strong>of</strong> a neighborhood as<br />
disorderly and <strong>in</strong> need <strong>of</strong> stronger polic<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Opponents <strong>of</strong> broken w<strong>in</strong>dows polic<strong>in</strong>g and theory suggest that this leads to the<br />
<strong>in</strong>herent crim<strong>in</strong>alization <strong>of</strong> poor, m<strong>in</strong>ority and homeless <strong>in</strong>dividuals. It creates a stigma<br />
that re<strong>in</strong>forces the underly<strong>in</strong>g problems that lead to the perception <strong>of</strong> crime with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
neighborhood. Additionally, those that oppose the theory suggest that these issues are<br />
improperly addressed by law enforcement and <strong>in</strong>stead should be treated by social<br />
workers or healthcare pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.<br />
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